Anne Whiteman Art

Welcome!

I am H. Anne Whiteman, artist, wife, mother and Family Historian. Welcome to my page. In order to let you into my world as an artist, I would like to tell you a little about my history.

I was interested in painting from the time I was a child. I recall in elementary school painting a little girl with an umbrella, and receiving a compliment from my teacher. That was a big moment for me! They say we each have a mentor or inspriration that starts the interest within us, so perhaps that was mine. Years later, as a teen, I began to have even more of an interest in art studies. My Sunday School teacher was Joyce Pike, a talented artist at the time, who went on to become nationally prominent. I was in awe of her style and ability, and hoped to achieve some of what she had. She, too, was a mentor.

I married at 17, to my husband Marvin who was 19. For a few years we were just busy building our life together. I tried a few paintings on my own and, while they satisfied me, I knew I could improve. Finally, I met famed artist Sadako Mano who lived on the street in the neighborhood we moved into. She was the official artist for the Queen Mary; just one of her accomplishments. She had become well known for her art in Japan before coming to the United States. I was excited to learn she had a teaching studio in her home. For the first time I had lessons with a private teacher. She eventually opened an art studio in our City and asked me to be one of her instructors. I felt it a great honor, since I had been taking lessons less than a year.

I found that I really enjoyed teaching. It was gratifying that my own art was selling, but somehow equally as gratifying to see talent being brought out in my students. After teaching with Sadako, I went on to teach at Women’s Workshop in Northridge, California. I continued taking workshops and learning more about technique. I studied under a number of great names in oil painting. I gave my own workshops as well.

My paintings were for sale in a gallery, in Sherman Oaks, California. Eventually I had paintings hanging in homes in many states as well as Puerto Rico. I was painting portraits and commission artwork; and my work was in demand. I think it would be fun today to meet with some of the purchasers of and those who commissioned my early artwork.

During this time I also had a career in Real Estate. When my husband and I retired to Red Bluff, California, I began teaching locally. I also joined the local art association and made many friends in the area who were of like interest in painting and creating. I was amazed that what was basically a little “cow town” had so many talented artists. Since joining, the group has grown more than four times what it was when I first joined, with many more opportunities to show artwork. I have had “one man” shows and even enjoyed putting paintings into local competitions, winning ribbons and monetary prizes.

Once I moved to Red Bluff, I continued to learn. I attended a watercolor workshop and started in a new direction, adding that skill to my list of enjoyable painting experiences. Again, I joined competitions and won prizes with the watercolors as well. A new neighbor moved into our neighborhood who was skilled with colored pencil, and I enjoyed learning with her. My belief is that you do not stop learning and growing and expressing yourself in art.

Selling paintings on the Internet was a new experience. I was now selling to people who lived some distance away, and that was a new pleasure. I had websites, but when my son offered to create a new one for me, I was delighted. That is where we are today. I am looking forward to being able to talk with others who may want to talk with me; and to give lessons to others via the Internet and this site. So, welcome to my world. I hope you enjoy the visit.